5-star Vols target Walter Nolen excited about playing in Neyland Stadium jamboree
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
One of the major targets for the 2022 recruiting class for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is Walter Nolen. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive lineman is ranked as the No. 2 player in the country and has the Volunteers in his top 5 along with Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Michigan.
Originally from the Memphis area, Nolen starred at St. Benedict at Auburndale in Cordova, Tenn. But his decision to transfer to Powell High School, just minutes from the University of Tennessee campus, appeared to indicate that the Vols could be in the lead to gain his services in what would equal a major recruiting victory for Heupel.
On Friday, Powell is set to face Bearden in the High School Kick-Off Classic at Neyland Stadium, perhaps giving locals a preview of what’s to come on Saturdays for the big lineman. He posted the following to his Twitter account on Wednesday:
Can’t wait to play @ UT Friday be there if u can make it #GBO #wewantwalter
— Walter Nolen9️⃣?? (@WalterNolen4) August 11, 2021
Nolen appeared to be on the verge of announcing a decision back in June but has yet to make one as of now. While anything can happen in the recruiting world, Vols fans at least have to feel a high sense of cautious optimism.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
